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Book Details

ISBN 139781782172437

Paperback380 pages

About This Book

Discover how to master different business solutions which will help you deliver high quality reports to your organization and clients.

Work efficiently in a BI environment while keeping your data accurate, secured, and easily shared.

Learn how to build and format reports that will enable you to get the most useful insights from your data

Who This Book Is For

If you are a business analyst, BI developer, or an IT professional who wants to learn the A to Z of how to work with Web Intelligence reporting tools and different types of data, then this book is for you.

The only thing you need is a basic understanding of what Business Intelligence is and data concepts.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Working with the BI Launch Pad

Introduction

Connecting to the BI launch pad

Navigating within the BI launch pad

Using the BI launch pad toolbars

Adjusting the preferences

Searching documents

Launching applications

The report menu functionality

Working with different objects of the BI launch pad

Chapter 2: Creating New Queries

Introduction

The universe structure

Creating a simple query

Editing the query

Filtering the query results

Using prompts

Using AND/OR logic in conditions

Creating nested filters

Using a subquery

Using combined queries

Adding another query

Working with several queries

Working with the query properties

Using the data preview

Viewing the SQL

Using other query results

Scope of analysis

Using database ranking

Using BEx queries

Chapter 3: Working Inside the Report

Introduction

Understanding the structure of the Report layer

Understanding the concept of the microcube

Working with the Left Pane panels

Working with the report toolbars

Navigating between the view modes

The File and Properties tabs

Chapter 4: Working with Tables

Introduction

Getting to know the structure of tables

Working with different types of tables

Formatting tables

Working with cross tables

Hiding dimensions

Chapter 5: Working with Charts

Introduction

Working with the Line chart

Working with different chart types

Formatting charts

Chapter 6: Formatting Reports

Introduction

Using sorts

Using calculations

Using sections and breaks

Ranking

Conditional rules

Data tracking

Outline and fold

Chapter 7: Filtering the Report Data

Introduction

Applying a simple filter

Working with the filter bar

Using input controls

Working with an element link

Chapter 8: Merging Data

Introduction

Merging data from several queries

Understanding the merge logic

Merging data from different universes

Merging data from different data sources

Filtering matched values

Troubleshooting aggregation problems

Extending the data synchronization

Chapter 9: Using Formulas and Variables

Introduction

Using formulas

Working with variables

Using aggregate functions

Using character functions

Using data provider functions

Using date and time functions

Using document functions

Using logical functions

Using misc functions

Using numeric functions

Using extended syntax

Chapter 10: Using Hyperlinks

Introduction

Connecting reports

Passing parameters between reports

Linking to a web page

Creating and editing hyperlinks manually

Chapter 11: Using Drill

Introduction

Using the scope of analysis

Using a query drill

Using the drill formula

Chapter 12: Scheduling Reports

Introduction

Scheduling a report

Working with instance history

Publications

Advanced publication options

Chapter 13: Working with BI Workspaces

Introduction

Creating BI workspaces

Working with report parts

Chapter 14: Web Intelligence Rich Client

Introduction

Working with Web Intelligence Rich Client

Working with local data providers

Adjusting options

What You Will Learn

Master advanced report building techniques using SAP BusinessObjects

Discover tools to work efficiently in a BI environment

Learn using real scenarios, varied examples, and systematic execution of the solutions

Build variables and formulas to enhance the report calculation functionality such as if-then statements

Use drill-down and drill-through tasks to perform detailed analysis

Filter data using simple and advanced filters and advanced features such as input controls

In Detail

This book will educate you on the best practices in SAP BusinessObjects reporting and analysis, including how to create enhanced report formatting and synchronize data sources in simple and easy ways.

The book starts by introducing a working Web Intelligence environment and its capabilities. Next, it moves on to creating queries, working with the formatting components, and explaining how to work with different types of data presentation such as tables and charts. The book then guides you through the main report functionality such as using filters, sorts, and calculations; merging data; and using formulas. The book also explains how to work with advanced features such as drills and hyperlinks.

This book will take you from the most basic level of how to build a query and elementary concepts such as the nature of data to the most advanced and updated reporting and formatting techniques.

Authors

Yoav Yahav

Yoav Yahav is a BI consultant and a SAP BI expert with more than 13 years of experience in data warehouse projects and SAP BI consulting and training.

He has led numerous projects of SAP BusinessObjects implementation, from the server-side architecture through developing universes, reports, dashboards, and security.

In his projects, he implements the best practices approach while focusing on several main objectives: short time to delivery, self-service BI community, and following the most updated and advanced BI trends.

He also has rich international experience in SAP BusinessObjects training, specializing in the core SAP BusinessObjects modules. You can find his BI blog at https://thebobaba.blogspot.com.

Alerts & Offers

Series & Level

We understand your time is important. Uniquely amongst the major publishers, we seek to develop and publish the broadest range of learning and information products on each technology. Every Packt product delivers a specific learning pathway, broadly defined by the Series type. This structured approach enables you to select the pathway which best suits your knowledge level, learning style and task objectives.

Learning

As a new user, these step-by-step tutorial guides will give you all the practical skills necessary to become competent and efficient.

Beginner's Guide

Friendly, informal tutorials that provide a practical introduction using examples, activities, and challenges.

Essentials

Fast paced, concentrated introductions showing the quickest way to put the tool to work in the real world.

Cookbook

A collection of practical self-contained recipes that all users of the technology will find useful for building more powerful and reliable systems.

Blueprints

Guides you through the most common types of project you'll encounter, giving you end-to-end guidance on how to build your specific solution quickly and reliably.

Mastering

Take your skills to the next level with advanced tutorials that will give you confidence to master the tool's most powerful features.

Starting

Accessible to readers adopting the topic, these titles get you into the tool or technology so that you can become an effective user.

Progressing

Building on core skills you already have, these titles share solutions and expertise so you become a highly productive power user.